Final discussion paper
This discussion paper was developed to support the workshop ‘Science for policymaking in Portugal’, organised by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) and the Foundation for Science and Technology (Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia – FCT), held in November 2021. In a world characterised by volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity, there is a growing need for evidence-informed policy-making. Drawing on a mixed-method approach, we carried out an assessment of the science for policy system in Portugal, with a focus on five selected fields (Defence, Economy, Employment, Environment, and Health). While there is a diverse set of organisational mechanisms for scientific advice in Portugal, it was found that there is not a single science for policy ecosystem. Policymaking bodies are not fully aware of the relevance of scientific advice, and there is a lack of formalisation of the procedures followed. The present statute of University career discourages the practice of scientific advice. Our research enabled the identification of five key, inter-related challenges: enhancing the recognition of the advantages of scientific advice among policy-makers; promoting an increased dialogue between science and policy-making; going beyond personal trust to foster institutional trust; stimulating academic engagement in policy-making; and increasing transparency. Action is needed to improve the governance of science for policy in Portugal, involving multiple stakeholders.
SIMÕES Vítor Corado;
MELCHOR FERNANDEZ Lorenzo;
KRIEGER Kristian;
2022-04-01
Publications Office of the European Union
JRC128856
978-92-76-49470-6 (online)(ENG),
978-92-76-49469-0 (online)(POR),
1831-9424 (online),
EUR 31023 EN,
OP KJ-NA-31023-EN-N (online)(ENG),
OP KJ-NA-31023-PT-N (online)(POR),
https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC128856,
10.2760/88096 (online)(ENG),
10.2760/409078 (online)(POR),
